Gaming


What have been the most significant logistical or tech challenges in scaling esports experiences across different regions and venues? We have successfully produced hundreds of events in different regions and venues. One of our biggest challenges is that we always want to create something new that feels fresh to attendees. While some may be attending an event for the first time, many are returnees, and it’s important they feel like they are being delivered something that is unique every time they walk in. Whilst we frequently update our equipment and tech, we have to be responsible economically, and so a frequent problem we solve is delivering a stage configuration that stands out with parts that have been used in a previous show. Before each event, we conduct in-depth analysis of local markets


and player communities, weaving regional cultural and tourism highlights into tournament design and interactive experiences. By showcasing the character of the host city through the event, we attract more players and audience to the location.


What kinds of IT capabilities are now essential for competitive play, streaming, and fan engagement? Modern esports need a strong technical foundation. Fast, reliable internet is essential for fair matches and smooth viewing. Streaming systems must support high-quality broadcasts without interruption, even when production is remote. Data also plays a major role. We use analytics to combine in-game stats, player data, and audience insights to improve performance and create more engaging fan experiences. Behind it all sits a mix of cloud and edge computing that keeps


latency low for live play while handling heavier tasks like video rendering and AI in the background. In esports, having the highest-performing IT infrastructure is


essential; even a 2-3% discrepancy can significantly impact player performance, broadcast quality, and the overall fan experience. Players, professional and casual alike, notice these incremental differences, and so do viewers. Consistent testing, clear processes, and reliable uptime are what keep events running smoothly. We take a practical approach to new technology. It always starts


with identifying a real need, for example, improving stream quality, speeding up highlight creation, or giving coaches better data. Once we understand the problem, we look for the right tech to solve it. Before rolling anything out fully, we run small pilot projects to test performance and measure results. People are just as important as the technology itself. We build small internal teams focused on outcomes and work closely with trusted partners to bring new ideas to life quickly. AI and cloud tools are already part of how we scout talent, analyse


performance, and personalise fan experiences. Every new system is tested end-to-end to make sure it actually adds value and improves how we operate.


Are there opportunities for retailers to participate in or support esports events beyond sponsorship? Absolutely. Tere is a massive opportunity for retailers who go beyond traditional logo placements to deliver real value on the ground. Short-term spaces at tournaments or in city centres allow fans


www.pcr-online.biz


to buy directly aſter a key emotional moment, driving both excitement and sales. Equipping event arenas with demo hardware gives fans hands-on


experience with premium gear and reduces uncertainty for large purchases. Retailers can host panels, creator meetups, or community tournaments that generate content and deepen engagement. Te best activations are measurable and designed to produce


lasting impact through social content, lead generation, and post- event commerce, not just visibility. For esports clients and/or venues, having the highest quality


equipment is of the utmost importance. Low-latency screens with high refresh rates so that gameplay is smooth, alongside high- specification computers that can handle the demands of modern games and achieve peak performance. IT resellers should always keep this in mind when working with


these clients, alongside understanding that different genres will have different needs. A use case example of this is that a First-Person Shooter (FPS) title, such as Counter-Strike, will benefit from a high refresh rate display more than Real-Time Strategy (RTS) titles, such as League of Legends, do. Esports fans keep track of what the professionals use and why


they use it. Te connection between a specific piece of equipment and competitive success is much more apparent in esports than in traditional sports – input latency can be quantified in a way that the effect of a new pair of running shoes can’t.


Your recent acquisition of mining assets in the US is a bold move. What’s the strategic rationale behind entering the crypto space, and how does it align with NIP Group’s esports DNA? Furthering our presence in the crypto space is a strategic decision to further the revenue diversification of our business, introducing a new revenue stream so that we are able to continue to be sustainable. NIP Group has always been a forward-thinking business that isn’t afraid to be a first mover. Tis is an expansion of the presence NIP Group already has in crypto with our fan engagement platform, Te Dojo, further consolidating our presence in the space. Tese acquisitions are not just about crypto – we see data centres


and compute capacity as essential enablers of new experiences in the intersection of gaming, entertainment and emerging AI applications. It’s important that we are honest and transparent whenever we


discuss diversification and its necessity. We have increased the percentage of revenue outside of non-esports ventures to around 80% by creating additional revenue streams, and when we highlight this to stakeholders, they begin to understand the benefits of not becoming solely dependent on competitive success, which is why we also have a variety of rosters in different esports titles. Diversification is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability


of any esports organisation. It creates the ability to become less results-reliant, which is necessary in a space with tens of thousands of players and thousands of other organisations aiming for the same objectives. By diversifying into adjacent verticals such as event management


for esports events, live streaming services, and creating a fan engagement platform, we have been able to offer our fans an increased offering that, in turn, will lead to increased engagement with our brand.


November/December 2025 | 17


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